We began our coursework by looking at examples of magazines to establish the Codes and Conventions of a front cover and contents page. We worked in groups to establish the codes and conventions of Front Covers and Contents Pages.
Front Covers
The codes and conventions of magazine front covers in this genre are:
· Masthead is either in the top left corner or full width of the cover
· Title is in a unique font not used anywhere else in the magazine
· Issue date and price are either by the title or the barcode
· Positioning statement is above the title
· Usually one image of either a female or male celebrity which dominates the cover
· Background to the picture is usually a plain colour
· Picture is either close up, medium close up or medium long shot
· Direct address is used – the person in the picture is making eye contact with the reader
· A simple colour scheme is used, usually no more than three colours
· The main coverline is the largest text apart from the title and anchors the meaning of the image
· Coverlines frame the image and there is no text over the person’s face
· Coverlines usually have a few words in capitals which are puns, alliteration or just intriguing and there are sublines which explain more about the content of the article and which aren’t in capitals
· These coverlines are usually three or four lines long
· Puffs are used to promote free gifts, special offers etc
· Sometimes a strip is used at the bottom of the cover just containing single words relating to the contents which conveys that the magazine is packed with interesting articles
· Only one or two fonts are used for the coverlines
· The same type size is used for most coverlines
· The buzzword exclusive is commonly used, usually on the main coverline
· Barcode
Contents Pages
The codes and conventions of contents pages for this genre of magazine are:
· Contents are usually two pages
· The contents are laid out in either three or four columns
· Pictures dominate the contents pages
· Pictures are different sizes and have page numbers on them which anchor them to the written contents
· Headings are used to divide up the contents e.g. In every issue, On the cover, Features, Regulars, Grooming, Fashion
· There is a line gap between each section of the contents
· Each line of contents begins with page number in a colour or bold; then a couple of words in capitals; bold or colour; and then an explanation of the content of the article
· Regular contents just have a page number and usually a single word e.g. letters
· The type size of the text is usually 11pt
· There is usually a small picture of the front cover of the magazine which goes with the ‘On the cover’ section of the contents
· There are credits for the front cover picture
· Subscription details
· Contact details are sometimes included – address and email address
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